Illinois ranks 30th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $31,790 — a 109% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $47,830 — a $18,710 spread, 57% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Illinois employs roughly 3.7% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (84,550 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 75th percentile | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| Mean (average) | $34,700 | $16.68 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $29,120 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +109% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +67% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +63% |
| New York | $46,460 | +60% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +57% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +53% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +46% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $29,120 | 40,520 |
| Telemarketers | $29,120 | 2,050 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,490 | 20,510 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,910 | 4,120 |
| Gambling Dealers | $30,230 | 2,200 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,980 | 11,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Illinois?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Illinois is $34,700 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,120 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,120 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $47,830 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,790 per year.
How does the Illinois Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Illinois is $29,120, which is -14% below national average of $33,760.